Explanation
BACKGROUND
In alignment with Mayor Ginther’s equity agenda, the members of the Community Relations Commission, in partnership with the Department of Neighborhoods and the City Attorney’s Office, recommend updating various sections of Columbus City Code Chapters 139 and 2331 to better protect individuals from discrimination.
Since the City of Columbus first adopted civil rights protections in 1991, a growing number of communities have enacted similar non-discrimination ordinances. As more communities have acted to protect their residents, updated language and approaches have emerged. The proposed amendments to Chapters 2331 and 139 will allow the City of Columbus to better serve residents who have been subject to discrimination and maintain its leadership position in the area of civil rights.
Amendments to sections of Chapter 139 will adjust the number of Commission members, align code language with current practice and add the ability for the Community Relations Commission to contract for investigation services as well as hearing officers.
The amendments to sections of Chapter 2331 will enhance the complaint resolution process by providing the Community Relations Commission with an additional tool to address discrimination when formal and informal dispute resolution efforts are unsuccessful. The updates will also provide protection from retaliation for those who file complaints in the area of Public Accommodation and language will be added to ensure alignment with current case law regarding the free exercise of religion. Additionally, the definitions of Sexual Orientation and Sex will be updated.
The updated definition of Sex will provide protections against discrimination on the basis of one’s sexual and reproductive health choices. Beginning in 2019, President Pro Tem Elizabeth Brown engaged with the community and partners to understand what kinds of discrimination residents experience with regard to the reproductive health choices they and ...
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